In the heart of the land known as North Carolina (or NC for those in a hurry), where the blue misty mountains meet the sighing ocean waves, you'll find a truly remarkable bunch of kids. Now, these aren't your run-of-the-mill, staring-at-screens-all-day kids. No, siree! These are the Tai Chi kids of NC! You see, NC is a land of magic and mystery, where trees whisper ancient secrets, and rivers hum melodious tunes. Inspired by this harmony, these kids have traded in their video game controllers for the fluid movements and graceful poses of Tai Chi. They're the kind of kids who can balance on one toe while doing their math homework, just because they can! Now, leading this troupe of mindful kiddos is a mystical character named Twirling Turtle. With his shell shinier than a disco ball and his eyes twinkling with mischief, Twirling Turtle is the oldest and wisest turtle in NC. Legend has it he's been around since the very first hushpuppy was fried! Twirling Turtle, with his slow yet sure movements, teaches the children the art of Tai Chi. He performs each move with a hilarious twist. Imagine watching a turtle trying to 'Part the Wild Horse's Mane' while sneezing or executing the 'White Crane Spreads its Wings' with a hiccup! The kids giggle and guffaw, but they never forget the moves they learn amidst all the laughter. So, if you ever find yourself traveling through the enchanting NC, you might just spot this band of Tai Chi kids, led by a big, old shiny turtle, moving in perfect harmony with the wind, learning, laughing, and loving every bit of their Tai Chi journey.
Read morebest tai-chi programs in Waxhaw, NC
DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.
As parents, it is important to ensure that our children are surrounded by positive, motivating influences. The words of motivational speaker and physiologist Jim Rohn ring true: “You are the average of the 3-5 people you spend the most time with.” We want to make sure our children are influenced by people who are respectful and wise, and who work hard. At UpLevel Martial Arts, we recognize how important it is for our children to have positive influences in their lives. Our instructors teach valuable life lessons to families that can have a lasting impact. By teaching children about respect, hard work, and responsibility while they’re young, we can help them become successful adults. With the guidance and wisdom of our instructors, our children can become the people they want to be.